Liverpool's attack looked a whimper of the side that completed a 6-0 rout of Newcastle last week, albeit against a stronger defence.

Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard had the best of the home side's chances but were unable to find the breakthrough and Rodgers believes Liverpool may look to recruit a player who can provide more goals next season, particularly with striker Luis Suarez missing the first six games through suspension.

"We weren't at our best but what you need to make sure is you are competitive," Rodgers said. "We kept another clean sheet, which is 15 [in the league] this season and we need to be strong defensively as well as attacking.

"We've scored a lot of goals this season but we obviously need to improve in that aspect as well to break down teams who come and play that bit deeper.

"We need to find one or two players who can help us make the difference in games like this. We've had a lot of draws this season and we need to find the solution for next year."

Gerrard looked lively throughout the match, particularly when he rounded Tim Howard and had his shot from a tight angle blocked. Rodgers believes Merseysiders Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, despite having a much easier challenge than in previous derbies, were the standouts.

"I thought Steven Gerrard was outstanding. He kept wanting to get on the ball and make things happen," Rodgers said. "Jamie Carragher was immense. He has two more games left and he was outstanding.

"His influence is superb, on the training field every day, in the changing room. Having worked with him for so long I can clearly see why he was one of Europe's top defenders for many years. We will have to search far and wide to get someone in at that level."

As ever in this fixture, there was a controversial talking point, this time going in favour of Liverpool as Sylvain Distin's second half header was disallowed after a foul on goalkeeper Jose Reina. Rodgers defended referee Michael Oliver, insisting it was the right decision.

"I think when you see it again the referee has good sight of it early," he said. "As the ball has virtually left the corner he has blown up for a foul.

"I wasn't 100 per cent sure at the time it wasn't for Distin's foul on Carragher or whether it was Anichebe but I think it was Anichebe's initial push. I am sure David Moyes will be disappointed the goal did not stand but I thought Michael was very good."